By Naeem Raffi
SHAH ALAM, Oct 31 — The location of the existing quarrying operations in Bukit Lagong is far from the Orang Asli settlements, by up to 3km, said state executive councillor for the environment Hee Loy Sian.
In a statement, he said the location of the newly-approved quarries is some 9km away, which contradicts the allegations of certain quarters.
"This (the claims) is untrue as there is no Orang Asli community living in the Bukit Lagong Forest area.
"The only Orang Asli village outside the area is located approximately 3km from the existing quarrying area, and approximately 9km from the newly approved quarrying area," Hee said.
Quarrying operations must comply with the conditions of the Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) and the relevant technical agencies, so as to control the environmental impact.
The councillor said approval for quarries to operate is based on certain criteria, including environmental issues, safety matters, recovery efforts, and the applying company's background.
He added that only 16 out of 44 applications have been approved, during the screening process from August 22 to August 25, 2016.
"The Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN), per JPNS' recommendations, granted approval to 16 companies for quarry operations in Bukit Lagong, which was carried out in phases. Eight quarries were granted approval in 2020, and eight more for 2023," Hee said.
The Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve has been classified as a production forest, since its gazettement as a permanent forest reserve in 1917.
"At present, there are eight quarries in operation throughout all permanent reserve forests in Selangor over a 30-year period, beginning in 1993.
"Their operating period will gradually end from 2023 onwards, which is next year," he said.
